Paulding County Fire and Rescue announced recently a private foundation made a substantial grant to acquire a Lucas cardiopulmonary resuscitation device.

The Lucas Chest Compression System, manufactured by Physio Control, is a tool that automates high-quality CPR chest compressions. It provides the same quality for all patients over long periods of time, independent of transport conditions, rescuer fatigue or variability in the experience level of the caregiver, a news release stated.

Since 2012 Paulding County’s continued economic growth has resulted in a higher number of 911 calls, especially for emergency medical care. This includes a corresponding increase in cardiac arrests – which carry an inherently low survival rate. Lucas devices are designed to automatically deliver chest compressions, which helps emergency medical services professionals deliver viable patients to emergency cardiac intervention hospitals. Empirical evidence proves that when a Lucas device is used as part of high-quality prehospital care, cardiac arrest patients have a much higher likelihood of successful resuscitation and positive outcomes.

According to Deputy Chief Joey Pelfrey, “We are proud of our highly trained EMTs and paramedics. They have significant experience in emergency care, particularly CPR. However, manual chest compressions do not produce consistent results – only replacing 10 to 20 percent of normal circulation. Our goal is to ensure those patients get into the hospital quickly while we keep oxygenated blood pumping.

“Chest compressions must be performed at the proper rate, with proper force and at a very fast rate – 100-plus per minute at a depth of 2 inches. That is very difficult in the best of conditions when performed by a human. CPR when done right becomes highly fatiguing very quickly. One study showed an 80 percent reduction in compression performance after one minute. And, stopping compressions for just a few seconds to change personnel performing CPR can negate any benefit of previous chest compressions. In so many ways, and for all the right reasons, the Lucas device is a fantastic solution.”

Paulding County’s program manager Steve Mapes said, “EMS transport times to hospitals could range from six to 30 minutes. That alone can make effective compressions extremely difficult. Imagine trying to perform CPR in the back of a fast moving ambulance, with lights and sirens, headed to the [emergency room] with a patient in cardiac arrest.

“Our goal has always been to achieve high patient survival rates with minimal permanent deficit. We now have a tool that frees rescuers to focus on other life-saving interventions while the Lucas device takes care of CPR.

“We are thrilled to have received a generous donation enabling us to acquire Lucas for the benefit of our citizens. We very much look forward to the possibility of expanding the program across the county in the very near future.”

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